In the Tsunami of Disruption: Why We Need Transformation Instead of Mere Change

The only constant in life is change. All clear so far, one would think. There is, however, one small but crucial detail that is often overlooked in the discussion on change, which largely revolves around digitization. The nature of change has entered a completely new dimension, with dramatic effects on our (business) lives. Transformation expert Kathrin Köster, Professor for International Management at the Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, and Helga Pattart-Drexler, Head of Executive Education at the WU Executive Academy, discuss why changes witnessed in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s have little to do with the transformation underway today.

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The Global Executive MBA Turns 20: The Evolution of MBA Education

An Austrian-American success story celebrates a special anniversary: When the Global Executive MBA first started on March 27, 2000, it was one of Austria's first Executive MBA programs, and MBA graduates were rare, both nationally and internationally. Nowadays, almost 20 years later, the Global Executive MBA is triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS) and ranks among the world's top 50 MBA programs. In the past 20 years, virtually no stone has been left unturned. Read on to learn more about how this double-degree program came into being and what it has to offer its students today.

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Odysseus and the Dynamic SWOT Analysis

On his way home, Odysseus, the superhero of Greek mythology, had to overcome various obstacles, including cannibals, sea monsters, a cyclops, and many more. Today, many executives feel like Odysseus when using traditional management tools. Helga Pattart-Drexler, Head of Executive Education at the WU Executive Academy, and Michael König, Senior Lecturer at WU Vienna’s Department of Strategy and Innovation, had a closer look at why companies need to be versatile and apply clever techniques in times of uncertainty. Also, they have been considering how the “Odyssey” might have played out if Odysseus had already had the opportunity to use modern tools such as the dynamic SWOT analysis and strategic foresight.

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From Software Developer to Vice President Data & Insights - What an MBA Can Do for a Corporate Career

As a child, Lukas Skocek had quite concrete ideas as to what his professional future would look like: If his (bank) robber existence didn't work out, he would try it as a professional football player. "I am really happy that none of this worked out," jokes the Global Executive MBA alumnus. "The first option is not really a sustainable model for the future and I definitely had too little talent for the other.” Lukas has recently joined Magenta Telekom as Vice President Data & Insights. In this issue of our Career Stories, he tells us how the MBA helped him with this career step.

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Colorful Careers - What a Career Off the Beaten Track Has to Offer

What can we learn from colorful and exceptional career paths? How can companies respond to the change in expectations of high potentials? These and other questions were debated by a panel on “Colorful Careers – Career Paths and Directions off the Beaten Track,” recently organized by the WU Executive Academy. Barbara Stöttinger, Dean of the WU Executive Academy, led the panel of acclaimed experts in the discussion.

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Interview With Magenta Telekom CCO Maria Zesch: "How Digitization Works"

On the occasion of the Darwin’s Circle, Europe's leading technology conference, we asked Maria Zesch, Chief Commercial Officer, how she would like to shape the digital future of Magenta Telekom. In the exclusive video interview, she gives insights into her daily work with IoT, 5G and Artificial Intelligence and explains what companies need to do to see digitization as an opportunity, not a threat.

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What Managers Can Learn from A(u)stronauts

When Franz Viehböck embarked on a trip to the MIR space station on October 2, 1991, after many months of rigorous training, conditions were adverse. This endeavor taught him many things he finds useful today as a top manager. On the occasion of the 11th round of the Berndorf Academy, Helga Pattart-Drexler, Head of Executive Education at the WU Executive Academy, talked to Austria’s sole a(u)stronaut, inquiring about his personal recipe for success as a cosmonaut and also as a manager.

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The 360° CEO: When a Holistic Approach is Needed

Efficiency increase, profit maximization, and shareholder value – these foundations of modern business management intriguingly appear somewhat old school. Entrepreneurs tend to focus more on long-term visions and corporate social responsibility. In a feature article for “Forbes”, Astrid Kleinhanns-Rollé, Managing Director of the WU Executive Academy, took a closer look at what leaders and CEOs in management-led companies can learn from entrepreneurs.

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